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Discover Kakashi’s Mysterious Past and His Role in the Third Great Shibobi War
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: pierrot.jp/naruto (Japan), naruto.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delights fans of the action-packed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (ナルト 疾風伝) anime series as it announces the debut of the sagas’ newest installment — Episode 349 — on the Hulu Plus Video-On-Demand subscription service, with new episodes simulcast each Thursday. The episode launches a brand new story arc focusing on a previously untold Kakashi backstory.

North American users of the free streaming VIZAnime.com platform and the free, ad-supported Hulu service will be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments a week after their initial run on Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus subscribers can also access NARUTO SHIPPUDEN content anytime with the Hulu Plus App on internet-connected TVs, smartphones, game consoles, set top boxes and additional devices, in HD (when available). Additional details on Hulu Plus enabled devices can be found here.

All new subtitled episodes in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series will also be available the day after they premiere on Hulu Plus for Download-To-Own purchase thru Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, XboxLive, and PlayStationNetwork (Episode 349 is now available for purchase).

In the latest story arc of the venerable anime action series, the untold story of Kakashi during his years as a member of the ANBU Black Ops is brought to light. The Third Great Ninja War has left many shinobi physically and emotionally scarred, including Kakashi, who lost his friend Obito in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, and soon after Rin, whom Kakashi was forced to kill. Haunted by the deaths of his loved ones, a guilt-ridden Kakashi begins to stray from his peers and mentors. Concerned, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, appoints Kakashi to the ANBU Black Ops, an elite team of shinobi who are under the direct command of the Hokage, so he can keep a close eye on his former student. And so begins Kakashi’s life as a member of the ANBU, living within the shadows of darkness…

“Kakashi’s hidden past has long been shrouded in mystery and fans will finally get to see the devastating effects the Third Shinobi World War had on him,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “This episode begins a very important story arc in the continuing NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime saga and we’re very excited to bring the latest installment to North America on the same day as its Japanese counterpart. We look forward to everyone tuning in for this special anime simulcast!”

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He’s done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense training that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks — except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

More information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at naruto.com. Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

With its popular digital manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.viz.com.